Diseases of aging map to a few 'hotspots' on the human genomeMedical Xpress Share Researchers have long known that individual diseases are associated with genes in specific locations of the genome. Genetics researchers have shown definitively that a small number of places in the human genome are associated with a large number and variety of diseases. In particular, several diseases of aging are associated with a locus which is more famous for its role in preventing cancer.More

Rare disease gene may offer diabetes treatment hopeLaboratory Equipment Share The rare disorder Wolfram syndrome is caused by mutations in a single gene, but its effects on the body are far-reaching. The disease leads to diabetes, hearing and vision loss and nerve cell damage that causes motor difficulties and early death.More

Now Hiring! Disability Examination ProvidersThe VA Locum Tenens Program seeks physicians and psychologists to perform disability examinations for general medicine and mental health conditions. Physicians will provide compensation and pension examinations for Veterans who file for disability claims. This position requires extensive travel around the country. Compensation package includes salary and full travel. Send your CV to locumtenens@va.gov or contact us at 1-866-664-1030.

Best treatment for childhood cancer selected through whole-genome scanRedOrbit Share A whole-genome scan to identify large-scale chromosomal damage can help doctors choose the best treatment option for children with neuroblastoma, one of the most common types of childhood cancer, finds an international collaboration jointly led by The Institute of Cancer Research, London. The researchers called for all children diagnosed with neuroblastoma worldwide to have a whole-genome scan as a standard part of their treatment.More

CARDIODX®Your patient's blood doesn't tell you that they will get tired walking the dog. Or that they've had heartburn for the past 2 weeks. But it can tell you whether or not obstructive CAD is what's causing their symptoms. You may not need to go deeper than the blood to know what's happening. MORE

3-parent IVF up for public consultation in BritainMedical News Today Share Following an invitation from the government, the UK's Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority has launched a public consultation on the ethics of a new IVF technique that uses DNA from three "parents" to avoid passing on serious mitochondrial diseases.More

Newborn stem cells hold promise for heart repairThe Baltimore Sun Share Stem cells from newborns appear to have a much greater ability to restore heart function than adult stem cells, according to a new study from University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers who were looking for ways to mend children's broken hearts.
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Regenerative medicine helps rebuild wounded warriorsWLS-AM Share An experimental treatment has tricked one soldier's body into regenerating itself, and now he can walk — even run — without help. The tissue, called extracellular matrix, acted as a cell-scavenging scaffold, recruiting Strang's own stem cells to rebuild his muscle from the inside out.More

UnitedHealthcare pays $54,000 forfeiture to stateThe Business Journal Share UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin paid a forfeiture of $54,000 to the Wisconsin Office of Commissioner of Insurance for failing to comply with previous examination orders from the insurance commissioner.More

Radiologists' new approach to managed care contractsDiagnostic Imaging Share In today's ever-changing world of imaging providers, gone are the days of maximizing volume to make up for low reimbursement rates. A once straightforward business process is now a complex myriad of possibilities. Utilization management practices and tougher scrutiny from benefit management companies and insurance carriers is now the catalyst for change in radiology practice management strategy.More

FDA: New Treatments and Technology

FDA OKs device to screen dense breastsMedPage Today Share An ultrasound device for breast cancer screening — the somo-v ABUS — has been approved for use in women with dense breasts, the FDA announced. The product, made by U-Systems, is to be used along with standard mammography in women with a negative mammogram and no breast cancer symptoms.More

New drug might help treat irritable bowel syndromeHealthDay News via Medical Xpress Share A new drug significantly reduces the abdominal pain and constipation characteristic of certain types of irritable bowel syndrome, according to two new studies. Both phase 3 trials, published online in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, formed much of the basis for approval of the drug, Linzess, by the Food and Drug Administration, said Dr. William Chey, lead author of one of the studies and co-editor-in-chief of the journal. More

FAST FACTS"Dense breast tissue appears as solid white on a mammogram, which makes those mammograms difficult to interpret, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some digital mammography reportedly has given better, more accurate results."

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